Forest fires are still raging in Thailand’s northern provinces, sending thick smoke into the atmosphere, as Forest Department and Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation firefighters try to control them.

Meanwhile, the Pollution Control Department reported today that PM2.5 levels in almost every northern province have exceeded the safe threshold, with the worst being reported in Wiang Tai sub-district, in Pai district of Mae Hong Son, where PM2.5 was measured at 99.9µg/m³.

In Chiang Mai province, fires are raging in Mae Chaem and Mae Wang districts, especially in Mae Win sub-district, where rafting is a popular tourist draw. Officials say that the fires are still not under control, but fire fighters have been trying to prevent them from spreading.

In Lampang province, the governor called an urgent meeting today with relevant agencies to discuss the prevention of fires from spreading to Phra Bat Mountain, with the installation of ten surveillance cameras to monitor the situation.

Volunteers have also deployed to set up checkpoints, to prevent locals from venturing into the area to look for forest products.